The Hull and East Yorkshire business community came together in spectacular fashion to mark the 25th anniversary of its prestigious Business Awards, with a night that celebrated both established leaders and emerging talent across the region.
More than 500 guests gathered for the black-tie event, which saw companies from logistics, leisure homes and food production among the standout performers. The evening also featured a special milestone celebration for one of the region's most respected business figures.
Lifetime Achievement Honour
The emotional high point of the evening came when Peter Brown received the Lifetime Achievement Award, prompting a standing ovation from the audience. Mr Brown is celebrating an incredible 60 years at global logistics provider Neill & Brown, where he serves as third-generation leader of the family business.
"This means so much," he told his peers during his acceptance speech. "Our business started in 1917, it has been going a long time. We employ a lot of people, all from Hull and surrounding areas, and I don't want to sell the business, I want to employ more people and keep the business going. It is a legacy."
He added with characteristic humility: "There aren't many people that think like that, and whether I'm wrong or right, I'm not sure!"
Double Winners Shine
Several businesses achieved double success on the night, demonstrating excellence across multiple categories. Beverley Leisure Homes enjoyed a particularly successful evening, with managing director David Hall named Entrepreneur of the Year while his company also triumphed in the Small Business category.
Mr Hall, who began his career as an apprentice cabinetmaker at 16 and established his first business at just 22, now employs 46 staff including five apprentices. "It is massive for me personally, and the team especially," he said. "One of the biggest lessons I have learned is being comfortable with the stuff I don't know, and surrounding myself with amazing people."
Soanes Poultry from Middleton-on-the-Wolds also achieved a notable double, winning both the Large Business award for the second time in the awards' history and the Environmental and Sustainability Award. The family farming enterprise impressed judges with a major refrigeration overhaul that has significantly reduced their carbon footprint.
Finance director Claire Wright emphasised the team effort behind their success: "It shows a small family farming enterprise can grow into something fantastic, and it is all down to the staff, the team and the teamwork we put in."
Contact centre specialist ResQ completed the hat-trick of double winners, taking home both the Best Place to Work and Innovation awards. Their innovative approach includes eliminating CV requirements for job applications, with everyone who applies guaranteed an interview.
Emerging Talent and Growth Stories
The awards also highlighted the region's next generation of business talent. Alex Pollard, 23, from RMC Digital Print was named Rising Star after joining the company on a business administration apprenticeship and rapidly rising to senior contracts manager.
"I'm ecstatic," said Mr Pollard. "It shows a lot of achievement over the last five years, not only for myself but for the company as well."
Start-up success came from Mopli Commercial Cleaning, founded by friends Dom Riley and Tom Newell just 18 months ago. Mr Newell expressed their pride in being from Hull and East Yorkshire and their vision "to build something that we could be proud of."
The Growth Award went to Fast Forward Vocational Training, which has expanded from a single Hull site in 2018 to operating across 35 centres nationwide. The alternative training provider specialises in mechanics and engineering, working with karting locations across the UK to engage young people.
Founder Paul Thompson, who started the business with his children, said: "We put students on the right track, getting them into employment, turning them round from the wrong line to the right line."
Community and Charity Recognition
Charity of the Year honours went to CatZero Humber, which works with vulnerable people in Hull and East Yorkshire. Chief executive Adrian Tallon acknowledged the challenges of fundraising while emphasising their commitment to the community.
Team of the Year was awarded to The Deep's education team, with teacher Jenny Thomas describing their close-knit working relationship. "The judges called us the Nolan Sisters, they recognised we're like family!" she said.
Now in their second year under the stewardship of talent entrepreneur Simon Jones and events specialist Jane Smallwood, the Hull & East Yorkshire Business Awards continue to showcase the strength and diversity of the region's business community as they enter their second quarter-century.
